Construction has started on the renovation and extension of the Labrador Correctional Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Work includes three living unit extensions that will add 18 cells to accommodate up to 36 incarcerated people, the addition of a medical suite, as well as upgrades to the facility’s laundry, kitchen and programming areas.

The renovations will give Adult Corrections the option to house both men and women offenders in Labrador, therefore reducing the need to transport inmates to other facilities.

The $8.2 million contract was awarded to Moss Development Corporation last November.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is expecting renovations to be completed by 2024.

Meanwhile, the construction of a new six-bed mental health unit at the Labrador Health Centre is anticipated to be completed later this summer.